Geneva: The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. James Anaya, will conduct a visit to New Caledonia from 6 to 13 February 2011 at the invitation of the Government of France.
“The purpose of my visit is to examine the situation of the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia in light of relevant international human rights standards, with a view towards identifying the major challenges facing indigenous peoples of New Caledonia in the enjoyment of their human rights and offering recommendations to address these challenges. I believe that this visit will be extremely fruitful and will constitute a unique and valuable opportunity for dialogue and consultation with the indigenous people of New Caledonia and the French Government”.
During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with representatives of civil society and the Government, as well as with representatives of the Kanak people. The Special Rapporteur will visit Noumea, Kone, Thio, Sarramea, Lifou, Ouvea and Goro. In March, Mr. Anaya will travel to Paris to meet with French government officials that deal with New Caledonia.
The Special Rapporteur will present the visit’s findings in a forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council.
S. James Anaya (USA) is a Regents Professor and the James J. Lenoir Professor of Human Rights Law and Policy at the University of Arizona (United States). He was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in March 2008 by the Human Rights Council. The mandate was created in 2001 by the then Commission on Human Rights, and was renewed most recently in 2010 by the Human Rights Council for a three-year period.